Adnan Oktar: People say, “It is impossible to turn back from laicism. Marxists, atheists, Alawites, Sunnis, Kurds, Circassians and Laz people, we are all brothers. We are a single whole. That much is certain. Everyone’s rights, law will be scrupulously protected under the law. IT IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT TO SAY, “ATHEISTS, MARXISTS AND PEOPLE WHO DO NOT BELIEVE IN RELIGION MUST ALL BE ABLE TO LIVE AT EASE,” AND THE APPROPRIATE LAWS SHOULD BE PASSED IF NECESARY. And laws can be passed and articles enshrined in constitutions saying that no concessions will be permitted regarding laicism. In that even the concerns of the skeptics will be addressed. Such guaranteeing laws and constitutional articles will be better. It is clear that no harm will come from girls wearing the headscarf or people attending mosques; in other words, any such concerns are misplaced. Of course, may Allah protect us, otherwise people holding extremist religious views, misinterpreting religion or holding an irrational view of the Shariah may emerge. Their conception of the Shariah may be a totally different one. They may talk about killing and bloodshed. They may want to make life utterly hellish. They may seek to do away with art, aesthetic and science. There are such lunatics around. Precautionary measures can be taken against such dangerous people. ISLAMIC SCHOLARS COULD ISSUE GUARANTEES ON THE SUBJECT, FOR EXAMPLE. THEY CAN ISSUE UNEQUIVOCAL STATEMENTS. Muslims, devout people can hold discussion panels and especially related laws can be passed as a matter of priority. This way, people will also be able to relax. That is indeed a threat to all of us. People say that ‘religious extremism is a danger.” Is it not also a threat to us? Yes, it is. It is also a threat to Muslims. What Muslim wants to see psychopaths wandering around and killing people, turning life into hell and banning art, aesthetic and science? What Muslim wants to see that? No rational Muslim could ever want that. We all agree on that. We think the same. But there is a lack of contact, of dialog. That needs to be rectified and established.

Hürriyet-February 6, 2009

Non-believers must also live in peace

Minister of State Responsible for Religious Affairs, Sait Yazıcıoğlu: "EVEN PEOPLE WITH NO RELIGIOUS BELIEFS MUST BE ABLE TO LIVE FREELY AND IN PEACE IN THIS COUNTRY. Initiatives WILL TAKE ROOT if they have no political aspect AND ARE INTENDED TO RELAX THE CLIMATE OF TENSION IN TURKEY.”